4758 - A Phase I Study of the CDK4/6 Inhibitor, Palbociclib in combination with Cetuximab and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN); A Result of Dose Escalation Cohort

Background

HPV induces many alterations in CDK4-Cyclin D-Rb and apoptotic pathways such as up-regulation of p16, loss of Rb and p53 functions in SCCHN carcinogenesis. Loss of p16 expression is known as a poor prognostic marker in SCCHN for survival. Palbociclib is a highly selective inhibitor of CDK4/6 by blocking Rb phosphorylation with radiosensitizing activity in preclinical studies. Addition of palbociclib to cetuximab and IMRT provides a strong rationale to improve efficacy of treatment in locally advanced SCCHN, especially in p16/HPV-negative tumour.

Methods

This is a phase I study designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and toxicity of palbociclib, cetuximab, and IMRT, using a classical 3 + 3 design (NCT03024489). The study included locally advanced SCCHN of oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. Palbociclib dose was escalated with 3 dose levels (DLs), starting from 75 to 125 mg/d orally for 21 day-on and 7 day-off for 2 cycles. For all DLs, cetuximab was administered at 400 mg/m²IV on day -7 and then 250 mg/m²weekly for 7 weeks. IMRT was delivered 5 day-on and 2 day-off with a total dose of 70 Gy for 33 fractions. MRI and PET scans pre- and post-treatment was used to evaluate preliminary efficacy.

Results

A total of 13 eligible patients were enrolled in the dose escalation cohort. No MTD was observed. One DLT, febrile neutropenia (FN) was reported in 1 of 7 patients who received 125 mg of palbociclib (DL3) at the 6^thweek of IMRT. The FN recovered without G-CSF support within 7 days after discontinuation of palbociclib. Overall, toxicities were related to cetuximab and IMRT. Complete response was observed in 7 of 10 evaluable patients (70%), while overall objective response was demonstarted in 9 of 10 patients (90%).

Conclusions

The recommended phase 2 dose was palbociclib 125 mg/d for 21 days on and 7 days off with full standard dose of cetuximab and IMRT for locally advanced SCCHN. MTD was not achieved. The combination was well tolerated with promising preliminary efficacy. The expansion cohort of palbociclib 125 mg/d is currently accruing up to 15 locally advanced p16-negative SCCHN patients.

Clinical trial identification

NCT#03024489.

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Pfizer.

Disclosure

N. Ngamphaiboon: Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony, Research grant / Funding (institution), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Roche; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony, Research grant / Funding (institution): AstraZeneca; Honoraria (self), Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony, Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Eisai; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony, Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Amgen; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony, Research grant / Funding (institution), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: MSD; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Novartis; Advisory / Consultancy: Boehringer Ingelheim; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Merck; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Taiho. T. Siripoon: Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Pfizer; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Roche; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Boehringer Ingelheim. S. Lukerak: Research grant / Funding (institution): Pfizer; Research grant / Funding (institution): MSD; Research grant / Funding (institution): AstraZeneca. N. Sankaseam: Research grant / Funding (institution): Roche; Research grant / Funding (institution): MSD; Research grant / Funding (institution): AstraZeneca. E. Sirachainan: Honoraria (self), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: MSD; Honoraria (self): Sanofi/Aventis; Honoraria (self): Merck; Honoraria (self), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Amgen; Honoraria (self), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Roche; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Mundipharma; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (institution), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: AstraZeneca; Honoraria (self): LF Asia; Honoraria (self): Diethelm Keller Logistics; Honoraria (self): BMS; Honoraria (self): Boehringer Ingelheim. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.